In a busy industrial environment, your tasks are constantly changing. One moment you might need to reach a high shelf in the warehouse, and the next, you’re accessing equipment across the facility. Fixed ladders and step ladders just don’t offer the flexibility to keep up with these demands.
That’s where portable stairs come in. Built for strength, mobility, and ease of use, portable stairs allow your team to safely and efficiently access elevated areas, no matter where the job takes them.
At Northern Platforms, we specialize in portable stairs designed to meet the specific needs of your industry. Whether you’re looking for tilt and roll, mobile, or self-leveling options, we’ll help you find the perfect solution to keep your team safe and productive.
What are Portable Stairs?
Portable stairs are temporary or movable stair systems designed to provide access to elevated areas such as loading docks, storage shelves, and more. These systems are more flexible and adaptable than traditional ladders, making them useful for fast-paced workplaces.
The Benefits of RollAStep Products for Industrial Worksites
One of the leading distributors of portable stairs is RollAStep, a provider of durable, portable access solutions designed for safety and convenience in industrial settings. Their mobile work platforms and portable stairs feature a durable powder-coated finish, wide, non-slip tread, full-sized handrails, and full-toe boards. With RollaStep, you get flexible, OSHA-compliant equipment that boosts efficiency and keeps your workers safe.
Tilt-and-roll stairs are a type of ladder that can be tilted back on its wheels to move from one location to another. Unlike traditional ladders, these stairs are easier to move and maneuver. For example, RollAStep’s TR series of tilt-and-roll ladders is ideal for small spaces due to its lightweight aluminum frame and side-rolling casters.
Mobile Stairs
Mobile stairs, also known as mobile work platforms, are portable stairs that can be moved around on wheels. They usually have a larger work surface than ladders and have features like handrails and guardrails to make them safer to use.
With RollAStep’s MP series, you can get the stability of a fixed work platform with the mobility of a portable stair unit. Featuring a 9-inch by 3-inch work platform, these portable stairs can hold multiple people and pieces of equipment at the same time. Plus, unlike fixed work platforms, the MP series can be easily moved around your worksite by a single person.
Self-Levelling Stairs
Self-levelling stairs are designed to automatically adjust to varying heights, providing a stable and safe walkway on uneven surfaces or different elevation levels.
RollAStep’s G series can be adjusted to different heights simply by removing a locking pin, making these portable stairs ideal for environments where precise height adjustments are needed. By ensuring a level step at any height, they enhance safety and flexibility for workers in dynamic settings.
Cantilever Stairs
Cantilever ladders or stairs are a type of portable stairs that are designed with an overhanging or projecting section that allows workers to safely access hard-to-reach areas.
RollAStep’s C series cantilever platforms are essential for lifting workers above, on, or over railcars, tank trucks, or other tall industrial machinery. These portable stairs have a steel base to help them stay balanced and a platform that extends out from the base to help workers avoid touching the equipment they are working on. For extra security, the C series can also include a safety cage, which can fit over a tanker truck or railcar to prevent falls.
Portable Stairs and More at Northern Platforms
Ready to enhance the safety and efficiency of your worksite with the right portable stairs? Northern Platforms offers a wide selection of customizable safety solutions tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a safer, more productive work environment.
Ensuring railcar loading safety is critical for protecting workers, preventing accidents, and keeping operations running smoothly. Whether handling hazardous materials or bulk goods, following proper safety protocols is essential for minimizing risks.
Are you looking for the right safety equipment for your operation? Here are five essential Northern Platforms products that can enhance railcar loading safety for your operations.
At Northern Platforms, we pride ourselves on delivering customized safety solutions. Our team will visit your site, assess your needs, and tailor our recommendations to fit your unique requirements.
Gangways and Loading Platforms
Both gangways and loading platforms are popular solutions for ensuring the safety and productivity of railcar loading operations.
Loading platforms are the most used piece of safety equipment, as they provide workers with a secure place to stand while loading and unloading materials. Usually, these platforms are sturdy and non-slip, allowing multiple workers to stand on them for short periods during loading.
Your railcar loading operation should also include gangways, which bridge the gap between the loading platform and the railcar. This piece of equipment helps protect workers by reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Northern Platforms offers customizable gangways that adjust to various railcar heights, ensuring safe access and compliance with railcar loading safety standards.
Loading Arms
Top and bottom loading arms are crucial for railcar loading safety, especially when transferring liquids or hazardous materials. Unlike traditional hoses, loading arms are durable and offer precise control, reducing the risk of leaks and accidents. Their flexibility and sturdiness make them a safer and more reliable option for efficient material transfer.
Using loading arms instead of hoses can dramatically improve railcar loading safety by minimizing manual handling and preventing spills.
Wheel Chocks and Blue Flags Protection
Next, you will need wheel chocks, which are essential for preventing the railcar from accidentally moving during the loading process. Simple yet effective, these devices are placed under the railcar wheels to keep them stationary.
All railcar loading operations should include blue flags in addition to wheel chocks. Blue flags are visual symbols used to warn approaching railway vehicle operators that rail cars are being loaded and unloaded and to indicate that workmen are in the area.
Track Pans
Effective spill containment is critical to railcar loading safety, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials. Track pans are installed between the rail tracks to capture any spills during loading. This product helps safeguard both the workers and the environment from exposure to harmful substances.
Northern Platforms offers several containment solutions from UltraTech, including track pans, berms, and barrels, to ensure full compliance with safety regulations and prevent environmental damage.
Safety Showers
Having easily accessible safety showers is essential for emergency decontamination in any situation where hazardous materials are present. Safety regulations often require safety showers in all areas where chemicals are handled. Plus, positioning them within reach of the railcar loading area can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Ensure your railcar loading safety meets safety standards by equipping your site with properly maintained and strategically placed safety showers.
Safety Solutions Tailored to Your Needs
When it comes to loading your railcar safely, it is important to examine your existing operation. Northern Platforms is here to help you find safety solutions specifically tailored to your needs. Contact us today to start improving the safety and efficiency of your operations.
Efficient, safe, and effective–bottom loading arms are a worthwhile addition to your loading system.
Northern Platforms offers a wide selection of trusted and ergonomic bottom-loading arms from established brands like OPW Engineered Systems and EMCO Wheaton. Ready to integrate bottom-loading arms into your operation? Let’s go over some key things to consider before you make this purchase.
What are Bottom Loading Arms?
As the name suggests, bottom loading arms are used when loading from the bottom and should be paired with trucks or railcars that accommodate a bottom loading configuration.
Bottom-loading arms are a safer and more efficient alternative to hoses. Read more about the difference between hoses and loading arms in our previous post: “Hoses vs Loading Arms: Which Works Best?”
Here are some more advantages of bottom-loading arms:
Operator safety: Workers remain on the ground, which reduces fall risks.
Faster loading: Quicker connections and the ability to load multiple compartments at the same time.
Less turbulence: The process generates less turbulence in the tank, which helps lower static generation.
Less vapours: Fewer vapours are released, which helps lessen the environmental impact.
More cost-effective: Typically, these systems are easier and cheaper to build than top-loading arms.
Key Considerations for Choosing Bottom Loading Arms
There are several factors to consider when choosing your bottom loading arm. It is essential to consider your existing operation to ensure that you can find the right equipment for you.
If you aren’t sure where to start, contact Northern Platforms, and we will be happy to help you find a loading configuration that integrates seamlessly into your existing operation.
What type of fluid are you handling?
First, it is important to ensure that the materials of your bottom loading arm are compatible with the fluid you are moving.
For example, if you are moving corrosive substances, you will want to ensure that your bottom loading arms are made of a corrosion-resistant material like stainless steel. However, if you are moving non-hazardous materials, you could use carbon steel, which is often cheaper and lighter.
What type of vehicle are you loading?
Whether you are loading a tanker truck or a railcar, the type of vehicle you are loading affects the design of your bottom loading arms. Keep in mind that different vehicles have specific connection points and height requirements. Make sure to choose an arm that can easily reach and securely connect to your vehicle to avoid leaks and operational issues.
What is your loading environment like?
Your loading environment can significantly impact the type of loading arm you need. Consider: is there existing equipment that would interfere with your loading arm? Do you need an operation that is suitable for outdoor use? Are there other environmental factors you should consider, like extreme temperatures or exposure to hazardous chemicals?
What additional safety equipment do you need?
While bottom loading arms are a good start, there are always ways to make your site safer and more efficient. At Northern Platforms, we offer extra safety equipment to help ensure that your loading system operates smoothly and safely.
While bottom loading arms can improve the efficiency and safety of your loading and unloading operations, working with an experienced team is essential to ensure this new addition integrates seamlessly into your existing operation. That’s where Northern Platforms comes in. We’ll consider your existing equipment and ensure your new loading arm fits perfectly.
With over 50 years of industry experience, Northern Platforms is always happy to send one of our experts to your site. We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation every time to help guarantee a perfect match. Contact us today to find the loading arm that is right for you.
Picture this: you oversee the transfer of materials from your loading platform to a fleet of trucks. Each truck is a different height, size, and shape, making it hard to safely and consistently access the tops of these vehicles in order to load them.
In situations like this, tight timelines and inadequate safety equipment can lead to inefficient and dangerous loading processes, which can put workers at greater risk of injuries and accidents. However, by implementing some simple yet effective safety solutions, such as articulating stairs, you can ensure that your workers are safe, well-equipped, and efficient.
Keep reading to learn more about why articulating stairs are right for your worksite and how Northern Platforms can help you.
What are Industrial Articulating Stairs?
Industrial articulating stairs, also known as self-adjusting stair gangways, are versatile and adjustable stair systems designed to provide access to elevated work areas. Unlike fixed or modular stairs, these systems can be adjusted in real-time to accommodate different heights. This adaptability makes these systems ideal for environments where vehicle heights change frequently.
While industrial articulating stairs may be more expensive than fixed or modular stairs, the adaptability and durability of these products make them a smart long-term investment. While you may pay more upfront, industrial articulating stairs will inevitably help you save money in the long run.
How Do Industrial Articulating Stairs Work?
In most cases, industrial articulating stairs create a safe and ergonomic path to elevated work surfaces like the tops of trucks, tankers, or railcars. In these industries, vehicles rarely have uniform heights, so using traditional fixed stairs is often extremely impractical.
For example, SafeRack’s SAS self-levelling gangways are built to articulate and self-level, which can help accommodate various heights of vehicles. Some key features of this product include:
A powered lift & lower system makes the gangway easy to adjust and safer to use
A positive locking system is available in any position, which helps to protect both drivers and operators automatically.
Many available size and width options to help suit any application.
Track-Mounted Gangways for Added Flexibility
In many industrial settings, articulating stairs are often paired with track-mounted gangways to help with side-to-side movement. Instead of moving trucks or tankers to re-align with the stair system, a track-mounted gangway slides along a rail, allowing workers to reach the vehicle from any angle. This setup saves time, boosts efficiency, and ensures that workers can safely access different areas of the vehicle.
This system is especially helpful when the vehicle has several loading or unloading spots. A track-mounted system lets the gangway be easily moved without having to shift the vehicle, which improves workflow and safety overall.
Industrial Articulating Stairs and More at Northern Platforms
Ready to level up your worksite? Northern Platforms has everything you need to make your operations safer and more efficient. On top of safe access solutions like articulating stairs, we have everything you need to streamline loading and unloading trucks, railcars, and more.
When it comes to loading a fuel tanker, proper loading equipment is essential. By using the right equipment, you can maximize workplace efficiency, as well as significantly reduce the risk of accidents and spills. At Northern Platforms, we are proud to be industry-leading providers of renowned safety brands like SafeRack, Emco Wheaton, OPW, and more.
Whether you need loading arms, loading platforms, gangways, safety cages, or hoses, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about our top fuel tanker loading equipment.
Loading Arms
The safest and most efficient piece of fuel tanker loading equipment is a loading arm. These loading systems are designed to seamlessly and securely connect the fuel tanker to the storage tank. Loading arms can also include several safety features, such as swivel joints, automatic shut-off valves, and more. By using loading arms, companies can minimize the risks associated with manual connections and enhance operational safety.
Are looking to integrate a loading arm into your existing operation? Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced sales team members and learn more about how Northern Platforms can help.
Hoses and Couplings
If your operation isn’t compatible with a loading arm, then you will have to use a different type of fuel tanker loading equipment, such as hoses and couplings.
At Northern Platforms, we offer a complete selection of custom hose assemblies supplied to meet your specific requirements and individual needs. We stock a variety of hose sizes in-house, ranging from ¼-inch to 6-inch. Plus, larger sizes are available upon request.
We offer three different types of hoses:
Composite Hoses: A unique type of hose composed of many layers of special materials/films held together between an inner and outer wire. Composite hoses offer flexibility, safety, and chemical resistance. They are ideal for use in most petroleum, oil, chemical, and LPG transfer applications.
Metal Braided Hoses: Northern Platforms offers a wide variety of specialized products, such as stainless steel braids, metal hoses, and flexible hose assemblies.
Industrial Hoses: Northern Platforms is proud to offer a full line of industrial hoses, including rubber, PTFE, air/water, steam, and suction/discharge hoses
In addition to hoses, Northern Platforms offers several fuel tanker loading accessories, including:
Hiltap fittings, also known as low/high temperature & pressure couplings
Hose handlers and hose retriever components
Sight flow indicators
Swivel joints
Hose and coupling restraints, such as velcro straps and whip checks
Fuel Tanker Loading Equipment, Tested
Did you know that Northern Platforms offers in-house hose testing and recertification up to 1200 PSI? Each hose comes with a chart showing the duration of the test and the pressure it was tested to.
Additionally, we can also help you test your hoses to ensure they are in good working condition. To make sure your hoses meet safety standards, Northern Platforms offers hose recertification testing. We’ll test your hoses, and if they pass, they’ll be recertified with a new ID tag. If they don’t, we can tag them and recycle them for you.
Your Source for Fuel Tanker Loading Equipment
No matter what your operation looks like, Northern Platforms has all your safe access and fuel tanker loading equipment needs covered. We are committed to providing our customers with superior quality products, on-time delivery, and outstanding service. Contact us today to learn more about how you can make your fuel tanker loading system safer and more efficient.
Preventing falls and accidents is crucial for worksite safety. The easiest way to do this is through safety swing gates. These simple but highly effective safety solutions help protect workers from potentially life-threatening injuries and ensure your facility or plant complies with any safety regulations.
Are you interested in adding safety swing gates to your site? Keep reading to learn more about this product and how Northern Platforms can make your workplace safer, more secure, and more efficient.
What are Safety Swing Gates?
Safety swing gates or self-closing gates are worksite safety devices designed to restrict access to dangerous areas and prevent falls. They are usually installed at ladder and handrail openings. Safety swing gates must be opened manually and are designed to close automatically, which helps reduce the likelihood of human error.
Recent technological advancements have introduced preassembled safety swing gates. For example, YellowGate’s latest product can be added to your site in seconds—no special tools are required.
Updates to Safety Standards Make Safety Swing Gates Mandatory
On many job sites, ladder and handrail openings are left unsecured or blocked by chains that workers must manually fasten. However, recent updates to several safety regulations and standards have banned these practices.
Now, it is expected to require ladder and handrail openings to be secured with safety swing gates or an offset system. This change helps ensure worker safety by using stronger and more reliable barriers. Employers must implement these safety measures immediately. It is recommended to assess and update your safety systems as soon as possible in order to stay compliant and prevent accidents.
Features of YellowGate Safety Swing Gates
YellowGate industrial safety swing gates have several features that make them easy to add to your worksite.
Simple installation
Adding safety swing gates to your workplace only takes minutes, thanks to YellowGate’s pre-assembled design. This user-friendly design ensures that workers can install gates with few tools and no specialized training, meaning you can enhance workplace safety without unnecessary delays and lengthy installation periods.
Adjustable swing direction
One of the standout features of Northern Platforms’ YellowGate models is their adjustable swing direction. This flexibility allows the gates to be configured to swing both inwards and outwards, depending on your specific site needs. Due to this adaptability, these gates can integrate seamlessly into your work environment.
Versatile mounting
YellowGate safety swing gates are versatile enough to accommodate all openings between 24 and 36 inches. Plus, this range can be easily adjusted on-site with only a wrench, eliminating the need for field cutting or drilling. This adaptability ensures a perfect fit for diverse settings while maintaining compliance with OSHA regulations.
Built to last
Safety swing gates, particularly those used in industrial environments, must be durable and sustainable in order to withstand heavy use and contribute to responsible practices. Manufactured from heavy-gauge aluminum, these gates help ensure long-term safety with minimal maintenance.
